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Trends in unwanted childbearing in the developing world
1Policy Research Division, Population Council, New York, USA.
Studies in Family Planning
|February 12, 1998
Summary
Unwanted fertility often rises early in the demographic transition before declining later. Early family planning programs are crucial to prevent increases in unwanted pregnancies and abortions.
Area of Science:
- Demography
- Public Health
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Fertility transition is a key demographic shift in developing nations.
- Understanding trends in unwanted fertility is vital for public health interventions.
- Previous research has not fully elucidated the trajectory of unwanted fertility during demographic shifts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in unwanted fertility across 20 developing countries.
- To identify factors influencing the pattern of unwanted fertility during the fertility transition.
- To inform policy regarding family planning interventions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from World Fertility Surveys (WFS) and Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS).
- Examination of fertility trends in relation to stages of the fertility transition.
- Statistical analysis of proximate determinants of fertility.
Main Results:
- Unwanted fertility exhibits an inverted U-shaped trend during the fertility transition, rising initially and declining later.
- Factors influencing variation include contraceptive effectiveness, abortion rates, and proximate determinants like age at marriage and breastfeeding.
- Countries at similar transition stages show significant differences in unwanted fertility levels.
Conclusions:
- Family planning programs are essential early in the fertility transition to mitigate rising unwanted fertility.
- Without early intervention, unwanted fertility and abortion rates are likely to increase.
- Policy should prioritize accessible and effective family planning services from the outset of demographic shifts.
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